Exhibitionist vs nudist

 Exhibitionism vs Nudism 

Are these identical?

OR

Much Different?

Most people outside the nudism lifestyle consider both to be very much the same concept. Both are without clothes, however, that is the only similarity between them. In fact, there are many differences between nudism and exhibitionism. The most pertinent distinction that differentiates them, though, is their intent. 

Unfortunately, the nudity component has led textiles to assume that these two are similar concepts, thus giving nudism a very antagonistic and sexual connotation.

I will attempt to clear up the contrast with these counterparts.

A Nudist is:

 in its purest translation, someone who has the preference to be "open and free" will encounter the liberation and exhilaration that results from not wearing the cloaks that society, which can come across very shallow, forces us to wear. 

If you practice the lifestyle of nudism, you're aware, it is strictly about the complete freedom it brings.

OPEN is: 

breaking free of the barriers that mask who you are down deep while also allowing others to view you as a genuine, confident person who need not shield yourself with artificial facades. 

FREE is:

flying as if you are free as a bird far above alleviating the need for insincere cloaks that shield your genuine spirit. 

Hence:

 "OPEN and FREE"

I have proven to myself just how pleasurable and exhilarating nudism is. I really appreciate just how liberating it feels. I can feel fantastic while not concerning myself with what others perceive; I am a nudist without dispute.  It is feeling comfortable in my own skin and giving me the confidence I seek. If you desire to comprehend how it must feel, I encourage you to accept what is your body, and honor it. We were all created equal with similar features, yet our shapes and sizes make us the beautiful individuals we are. It's what makes us unique.

Respect for yourself and others is a vital component of nudism. One important concept to keep in mind is we always practice nudism in a platonic non-sexual venue. Nudism's focus is “self-respect, respect for others as well as the environment.” , Francis Schelstraete declares.

We, nudists, want to be ourselves and enjoy who we genuinely are as human beings. When I am home, I am always nude and I enjoy the liberation and exhilaration that I experience by being open while not concerned about being looked at. When I have visitors, there have been times I have answered the door nude. If I have roommates, I encourage nudism but never force it on anyone, even though I am always forced to hide myself from the public. 

Nude is being used in the correct context here since being nude is more tasteful or art related. 

Naked is more immoral or distasteful, like when one considers Adam and Eve, or sexual acts. Some see nakedness frequently as impure with certain sexual connotations to it.

Pay attention now:

If a person’s intent in being nude is to enjoy the freedom and pleasure of being without clothing, then that person is likely a nudist. People also participate in nudism because it helps with their sense of self-acceptance, and diminishes some of the societal pressure about body image. But whatever their reasons, nudism is typically about the personal experience of accepting your body as a complex and beautiful entity.

An Exhibitionist is:

about the power of exposing their body to an unsuspecting stranger to get a thrill from their reaction. An exhibitionist is trying to be seen and push their naked body onto others to shock another individual. Although some practice exhibitionism with other consenting adults, more often it is a means of getting a rise out of surprising another person. It is self-gratifying, like nudism, but it comes at the expense of another person.

An exhibitionist is generally someone who indulges in fun at public places, displaying their physical appearance but also their power, wealth or personality. Exhibitionism is, inherently self-centered; however, it has an added component that it is intended to invoke an emotional reaction from an oblivious victim. They are hoping to have comfort or satisfaction by allowing their body to be viewed if they can. It’s performed for the shock factor of some unsuspecting innocent person. This links us, sincere nudists, to distasteful acts. In a sense, they will force others to look at them and be gratified by the response they get. Exhibitionism can be seen as a mental/sexual disorder because exposing their genitalia is for sexual gratification and nothing more. Since the person’s consent is missing, that’s the thrill or power trip for the naked person. 

However, in some cases consent is given in the case of fetishes. Some adults congregate and actually want to see others display themselves. But most of the time, it's the sexual drive behind their motives. It's because society conflates nudity and sexuality together, that they will assume the worst when they spot a nudist. 

Sadly, this is what we nudists are confused for and why the textiles automatically judge us by their own ignorance when they see a naked person. 

It is very unfortunate that textiles' way of considering us is usually sexual in nature and they don’t even consider our actions, just our bodies. They don't consider our activities, they merely see what they want to perceive, by our exposed skin. Textiles can be very ignorant of nudists’ values and morals, that is why they have confusion and animosity towards us.

We, as nudists, need to educate textiles and show them that we are not doing it to focus attention on ourselves or to be nude just to offend the textile. We need to show them that our bodies are tasteful and not performing any distasteful actions and let them know it is something that is beautiful, not pornographic or sexually based. The textiles should consider what the individual is doing rather than just what they see at first glance.

If you are not a nudist and you see one, and you feel comfortable approaching them, perhaps ask them what they are doing and gain some knowledge about the tasteful lifestyle of nudism, instead of judging them simply for enjoying the experience of being “open and free.” If one of us, nudists, are just out for a walk or fresh air, then we are not doing it for the sinister motives of offending anyone.

In conclusion,

we can find excellent ways of cohabitation. 

Textiles can see us nudists for who we are rather than what they perceive incorrectly.

If you are not familiar with nudism or what it stands for, take a moment and check your conscious or your subconscious bias before automatically assuming the worst about someone that you don't understand or agree with. We just need mutual cooperation. After we have unsurpassed beneficial cooperation with everyone, this world will become much more beautiful and accepting. At that point, we all can live in harmony without being forced to live with fear and dissension.